Note: This article is sponsored by FarePilot. They’re a free app that provides drivers with locations and intel on where to go to get their next ride. I’ve found that it’s a useful app for when I don’t know where to go next after dropping off a passenger. Check it out here. As always, all opinions are our own.

Whenever I hear about AI and machine learning in the context of rideshare driving it usually involves how we are all going to get replaced by robots. This unfortunately paints AI and machine learning in a pretty negative light to drivers because it more or less becomes synonymous with “unemployment.” Even if drivers can benefit from it today.

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AI and machine learning isn’t all doom and gloom for drivers though. It’s reflective of new technology; and like any new technology it’s benefit at the end of the day depends on how humans use it as a tool.[Read more…]

Harry here. We’re always looking for new rideshare companies and today, senior RSG contributor Christian Perea takes a look at a growing service called Via.

Via is a newer rideshare option you may have already heard about, and they offer a different business model for drivers. Their service is centered around providing flat fare rides along efficient routes. A Via driver gets paid to shuttle multiple passengers along a designated route, only stopping to pick-up and drop-off where it makes the most sense. They’ll even make passengers walk the last block or two to their destination if they have to 🙂

Former Uber drivers are finding they enjoy Via’s different model for a few reasons. Via automatically applies a pay boost to rides that get “matched” with other riders. So Via drivers are incentivized to get matching rides, and they also take less from each ride.

Via drivers also operate in high-density zones. This means that Via drivers tend to put fewer miles on their vehicles since there are no long distance trips outside of their tighter operating zone. All of these things add up to make a difference to drivers.

When Uber and Lyft pulled out of Austin last month, they made it seem like the world was going to end without them. And while there was tumult in the few weeks after their departure, no less than seveneight nine rideshare start-ups have since moved in to Austin to try and fill that void.

Last week, Christian and I headed to the capital of Texas to talk with local politicians, meet with some of the start-ups looking to take Uber/Lyft’s place and, of course, hear from drivers. We learned a lot about the situation on the ground, and today I’m going to summarize it all.

Harry here. The battle in Austin has been a huge story over the past month, so Christian and I decided to head to the city that ‘Keeps it Weird’ for four days to see what life is like now that Uber and Lyft are gone. It turns out that there are a slew of rideshare companies looking to take Uber/Lyft’s place, and they’re doing a lot better than we expected.

Austin rideshare is on fire right now. The Big Two are gone and watching from the sidelines with a nervous glance as new companies rampage through a market that they have spent tens of millions of dollars to build. Also, after a month without any real options, passengers and drivers alike are being presented with a bevy of rideshare apps seeking to fill the void. It’s all quite exciting.

We went to find out for ourselves EXACTLY what is going on with rideshare in Austin, Texas.

I think most people underestimate what it takes to turn an idea into a real business. I know, because I get a lot of pitches about the latest and greatest rideshare companies to hit the scene but, more often than not, they’re more of an idea than an actual company. Turning an idea into a business is where the real challenge begins.

I can’t tell you how many people have e-mailed me about their cool new company that is going to put Uber out of business. But when I go to their website and Google their name, all I see is a landing page. Putting a landing page up is not the same thing as starting a company.

About

I'm Harry, the owner and founder of The Rideshare Guy Blog and Podcast. I used to be a full-time engineer but now I'm a rideshare blogger! I write about my experience driving for Uber, Lyft, and other services and my goal is to help drivers earn more money by working smarter, not harder. Read More…

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